ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said Radio Pakistan, being an effective medium of communication, has been playing very constructive role in promoting national integration and projecting the message of brotherhood and unity. He was addressing National Excellence Awards 2006 distribution ceremony of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation here at Jinnah Convention Center. Shaukat Aziz said Radio Pakistan is voice of the nation and people working here are national asset. The Prime Minister said due to free media policy of the government, the number of radio stations in private sector has increased but still Radio Pakistan has been competing with them effectively and providing quality programmes for the listeners.

Shaukat Aziz said in this age of communication, Radio Pakistan has been playing its due role and competing with other means of communication and providing quality news and entertainment programmes.

He said the government has encouraged the private sector to open radio stations and would continue to do so in future as it provides healthy competition.

The Prime Minister said Radio Pakistan always remained in the forefront and projected the national spirit and devotion through its programmes.

He especially appreciated the presentation of news, current affairs programmes, discussion, analysis, and music programmes in different languages for variety of listeners.

The Prime Minister referred to the role of Radio Pakistan played in 1965 war, said the radio generated and projected national spirit among the people.

He also lauded the services of Radio Pakistan for presenting programmes for all segments of the society including women, children, young and old.

Congratulating those who received PBC National Excellence Awards 2006, the Prime Minister said appreciating and acknowledgement always provide source of encouragement to improve the working and efficiency.

He expressed the hope that the workers and artists associated with Radio Pakistan would continue their work with dedication, commitment and hardwork and made the Radio more effective mean of communication.

The Prime Minister assured that the government would provide more funds and facilities to improve the efficiency and working of Radio Pakistan.

He also appreciated the past Director Generals and other staff of Radio Pakistan who established it on strong footing and now it has been playing pivotal role in promoting quality information and entertainment.

The Prime Minister also referred to the services of his father S.A. Aziz who was Chief Engineer in Radio Pakistan and said the function has reminded him of his childhood when he used to visit Radio Pakistan along with his father.

Prime Minister Aziz also lauded services of Director General Radio Pakistan Ashfaq Gondal and added that due to his efforts Radio Pakistan has been making progress.

Besides distribution of PBC National Excellence Awards 2006 among various personalities for their contribution in different fields by Prime Minister, the awards were also distributed by Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani, Minister for Population Welfare Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain, Minister for Political Affairs Engin. Amir Muqam, Minister for Education Javed Ashraf Qazi, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Aamar Liaqat Hussain, Minister of State for Health Begum Shahnaz Sheikh, Secretary Information Shahid Rafi and Secretary Health Anwar Mahmood.

PBC National Special Awards 2006 were given to Dr. Ilyas Ashqi (poet), Ali Azmat (singer), Shehzad Roy (singer) and Mehr Azhar Ali Radio Producer who lost his three children in October 2005 earthquake.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also gave Rs. 500,000 to Azhar Ali on this occasion and expressed deep sense of condolence and sorrow on the demise of his three children in the earthquake.

Ministry of Health, Fauji Fertilizer and Ministry of Population along with Interflow Communications, Orient Mecan Orax, Medas Advertising and Clarity Communications were also given awards for their support and help to Radio Pakistan during 2006.

Comperes who conducted three hour long proceedings of the awards distribution ceremony including Shujaat Hashmi, Tauseeq Haider, Tanveer Iqbal, Narjis Rashid, Kauser Perveen and Dr. Huma Mir were also given special awards by the Prime Minister on this occasion.

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